Whenever I go to writing or business conferences, I pick the worst breakout panels. Instead of going to the fun poetry workshop, I attend the panels about writing, business, marketing, and SEO. I discover that I already know what the workshop is about. In some cases, I know more about the topic than the speaker. I grow frustrated with myself for not having faith that I already know enough about the topic to go to the fun panel instead.
Last month, I had a phone interview with a potential new client. A marketing start-up in Miami. He asked if I was an SEO expert. I explained to him that I have SEO expertise related to writing. He seemed disappointed in the answer and I didn’t get the opportunity to work together.
I don’t want to be the victim of the Dunning-Kruger effect. I know a lot about SEO. I use SEO tools regularly. I have certifications. I can identify gap keywords, SEO opportunities, and grow an online audience with SEO techniques. I have an expert ranking through tested performance on hiring tests for SEO. On Indeed, I’m a tested SEO expert.
Yet, I also know enough about SEO to know that there’s more to know. I’m not naive or unskilled enough to rank myself a 10/10, even though I certainly know more about SEO than many of the people that would give themselves a 10 out of 10. I don’t really do black hat SEO. I’m not up with every conceivable way to generate SEO reports. I’m only an intermediate SEMRush user.
This week, I was put in the same opportunity I’m familiar with. Accept an offer that wouldn’t be as much in my best interest but would be easier, or to do it myself. Bet on myself and trust that the skills I’ve cultivated over the past 12+ years could be used to do it on my own.
This time, I’m betting on myself.